The Fonda/Stevens Group performs March 21 in Blacksburg as part of its mostly East Coast tour. The jazz group, consisting of Herb Robertson (trumpet), Harvey Sorgen (drums), Joe Fonda (bass), and Michael Jefry Stevens (piano), touts 10 CD releases, more than 20 tours in Europe, and 15 years performing together. Their next closest performance is in Charlottesville (March 23) so the Blacksburg show is a must see!

The swingin’ 1930s have come and gone and like many other genres, jazz has developed with the times as an evolving, valuable art form. “Arguably one of the finest working units in modern jazz …” (Jazz critic Glenn Astarita), the group seamlessly incorporates elements of free jazz and post-bop. “Post-bop” typically refers to jazz from the mid-1960s onward. The late John Coltrane as well as Herbie Hancock’s music exemplifies the birth of such sound and expansion has certainly ensued since then.

Free jazz (see also Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman, etc.) takes things a step further and is evident as influence in the group’s playing. (Fonda was the “bassist of choice” with the prolific, free jazz saxophonist Anthony Braxton). In most cases, these periods of jazz came about in search of freedom, progression, and experimentation. Musicians felt restricted by specific chord progressions, precise rhythms, etc. This thinking outside the box came to bring about an incredibly intelligent line of musical communication.

The Fonda/Stevens Group takes this rich history of jazz into consideration and brings their personal voice to the table. The result is a situation where listeners swear each note is on a page, predetermined and carefully calculated. The reality is implausible communication; improvisation from an on-the-spot group of composers.

Pianist and co-leader Stevens has composed more than 250 works, served as an educator in the states and abroad, and boasts many recordings with the Fonda/Stevens Quartet and others. Fellow leader Fonda has also performed and recorded internationally. His ability to fly up and down the entire neck of the instrument thwarts assumptions of what the bass is capable of.

The two are joined by the talented and versatile drummer Sorgen, who has performed with an eclectic mix of notable artists, including Anthony Braxton, Bruce Hornsby, Los Lobos, Brill Frisell, and many others. Out front is Robertson on trumpet, an equally international performer. His innate ability to find zillions of color possibilities within his instrument is well-suited to the Fonda/Stevens Group.

Four virtuosic musicians, powerful interaction, and a world of open possibilities highlight this unique evening of jazz. Don’t miss this rare event in Squires Recital Salon (Virginia Tech Campus) on Friday, March 21, 8 p.m.  Details at joefonda.digitalspace.net/fsg.html or www.music.vt.edu.

C.R. Kasprzyk is a classically trained musician and composer, amateur photographer, and all-around good guy who finds zillions of color possibilities in all aspects of his life.